Our Junior Choir recently held their very own concert at Wakari School Hall. It was a joyful opportunity to share everything they’ve been learning in a relaxed and supportive setting. 🌟

The students sang a lively mix of warm-ups and songs, performing with confidence and enthusiasm in front of a large, appreciative audience. For many of our young singers, this was their very first time performing with the choir, and they were absolutely fantastic! 💖

After the concert, families gathered for tea, coffee, and a delicious shared afternoon tea. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful feast. ☕🍰

It was such a special afternoon — a chance for families to connect, for students to shine on stage, and for our growing choir community to celebrate together. 💫

📅 October 11th, 2025
🕝 2:30 pm
📍 Wakari School Hall

Our Senior Choir joined forces with City Choir Dunedin for an unforgettable performance of Zimbe! by Alexander L’Estrange, an exhilarating choral work that celebrates the vibrant rhythms, soulful melodies, and rich musical traditions of Africa. 🌍✨

This joyful song cycle brought together singers of all ages, accompanied by a fantastic jazz ensemble featuring Bill Martin (piano), Nick Cornish (saxophone), Andy Lynch (bass), Carl Woodward (drums), and Alex Burchell (percussion). The result was an energetic, uplifting concert that had everyone smiling and tapping along! 😄

The Senior Choir also performed three stunning solo items: Ehara i te mea by Eru Timoko Ihaka, 1914 by Sue Mepham, and the Congolese folk song Banaha.

📰 ODT Review: Impressive and vibrant experience
The Star Review: Show draws an “amazing crowd”

📅 July 12th, 2025
🕖 7:00 pm
📍 Knox Church

Both our Junior and Senior Choirs took part in the 2025 Otago Kids Sing, performing alongside over 1000 students from 22 schools across the Otago region. 🌟

The choir performed their solo piece, Give Us Hope by Jim Papoulis, joined by Andrew Harray on djembe. They also featured in 1914 by Sue Mepham, singing the verses beautifully before all 1000 students joined in for the powerful choruses. The choir felt honoured to share this moving story of the horses who went to war. 🕊️

A huge thank you to Ben Madden, Music Director of the event, as well as NZCF and everyone involved in organising such a spectacular celebration of young voices.

📰 ODT Article

📅 May 7th, 2025
🕙 Massed rehearsal: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
🎤 Performance: 7:00 pm
📍 Dunedin Town Hall

The Dunedin Children’s Choir (Junior and Senior) had the incredible opportunity to sing with the wonderful Suzy Cato at the impressive Forsyth Barr Stadium! 🌿✨

This special performance was part of NatureDome, a highlight event of the annual Wild Dunedin Festival. The choir joined Suzy for the debut of her beautiful new song Birdies in the Bush, co-written with Parrot in the Pocket. We were honoured to be part of the very first performance of this gorgeous piece!

Other performances throughout the day included Anika Moa, Rainbow Rosalind, Em and Me, and Mr Roberelli — a true celebration of music, nature, and creativity. 🎤

📅 April 15th, 2025
🕚 11:00 am
📍 Forsyth Barr Stadium

The Senior Choir marked ANZAC 2025 with a special collaboration with the Flagstaff Community Choir (FCC). 🌺

The choir performed 1914 by Dunedin composer Sue Mepham (who is also the conductor of FCC!), Pō Atarau / Now is the Hour, and Give Us Hope by Jim Papoulis. FCC presented a set of songs including the well-known ANZAC piece Flanders Fields. Together, both choirs joined in singing the uplifting Zimbabwean folk song Famba Naye.

📅 April 9th, 2025
🕕 6:00 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church

We had a wonderfully successful first DCC Holiday Programme — Summer Sing! ☀️🎤
Held at Wakari School from January 16th–18th, the programme featured both Junior and Senior streams, with fun warm-ups, song-learning sessions, and musicianship activities.

Each day, students enjoyed a delicious morning or afternoon tea, and the final day concluded with a free concert for families followed by a shared lunch — a joyful celebration of three days of music-making and friendship. 🌟

📰 ODT Article: Singing Their Praises

📅 January 16th–18th, 2025
📍 Wakari School Hall

The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed at the stunning St Patrick’s Basilica in South Dunedin for their heartwarming Christmas concert, Our Gift for You. 🎄✨

The choir was joined by several special guests who presented their own performances. Ozan Biner-McGrath performed Scherzo Op. 4 by Brahms, while Erin Connelly-Whyte, Claire Barton, and DCC team member Natasha Manowitz delighted the audience with Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and O Holy Night. The event was beautifully led by MC Melanie Kerr, who wove the programme together with warmth, grace, and humour.

All donations from the concert were given to Presbyterian Support Otago and St Vincent de Paul, helping children and families in need over Christmas. It was a true celebration of community, generosity, and the joy of music. ❤️

📰 ODT Review: Fine performance rewarded with standing ovation
📺 Watch the Livestream

📅 Saturday, December 7th 2024
🕑 2:00 pm
📍 St Patrick’s Basilica, Macandrew Road

The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed at Tūhura Otago Museum on Sunday, October 20th, delighting audiences with a vibrant afternoon of music. 🌟

Singing from Atrium Level 2, the choir made full use of the beautiful piano and acoustics of this stunning space. They performed three rounds and the crowd favourite Route 66 by Troup, arranged by Emerson, to a large and enthusiastic audience of whānau and supporters.

The Chamber Choir and World Choir Games Choir each sang two items, and guest artist Caleb Wayne treated the crowd to a wonderful piano solo. Thank you, Caleb, for sharing your talent with us! 🎹

📰 ODT Article: Museum Filled with Song

📅 Sunday, October 20th 2024
🕑 2:00 pm
📍 Atrium Level 2, Tūhura Otago Museum

The Dunedin Children’s Choir Chamber Choir achieved an outstanding result at the World Choir Games 2024, earning a Silver Diploma (Level Six) for their performance. 🌟

Their work was evaluated by an international panel of five judges from New Zealand, Australia, China, Korea, and Italy, using the official MUSICA MUNDI evaluation system. This incredible event was held at Spark Arena in Auckland, where choir leaders Tash and Susie proudly accepted the award on stage alongside representatives from choirs around the world, in front of thousands of people. 🌏👏

After the ceremony, while waiting for their bus back to the hotel, the Chamber Choir surprised everyone with an impromptu flash mob, performing a few favourites including Fruit Canon, joined joyfully by parents. 🎶

📅 Friday, July 19th 2024
🕢 7:30 pm
📍 Spark Arena, Auckland

The Dunedin Children’s Choir Chamber Choir performed in a vibrant Friendship Concert in the foyer of the Civic Theatre in Auckland’s CBD, sharing the stage with three other children’s choirs from Korea, China, and Zimbabwe. 🌏💫

The Chamber Choir performed four songs to a packed and enthusiastic audience. Friendship Concerts, held as part of the World Choir Games, are free community events that celebrate the uniting power of song across cultures. It was a truly special experience for our singers to meet other young choristers from around the world, exchange small gifts, and capture wonderful memories together. 🎶🤝

📅 Friday, July 19th 2024
🕓 4:00 pm
📍 Civic Theatre Foyer, Auckland

The choir presented a programme of four songs that reflected both New Zealand and international choral traditions:

• Tīhore Mai – by Hirini Melbourne, arranged by Angela Taylor
  
  

• Papatūānuku is Breathing – by Sue Mepham
  
  

• Dear Examiner – by Anthony Ritchie
  
  

• Why We Sing – by Greg Gilpin
  
  

The Chamber Choir performed with focus, commitment, and excellent teamwork in front of an appreciative audience. It was a memorable opportunity to share their music alongside choirs from around the world. 🌟

📅 Wednesday, July 17th 2024
🕝 2:30 pm
📍 Auckland Town Hall, Auckland

The Dunedin Children’s Choir Chamber Choir held a very special farewell concert at their home base, Flagstaff Community Church, before departing for the World Choir Games 2024. 🌟

We were delighted to welcome special guests Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas and composer Sue Mepham. The children performed their full World Choir Games programme, Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas shared an inspiring speech, and each singer was presented with a certificate recognising their hard work and dedication in preparation for the world’s largest choral event. 🎶

Sue Mepham also spoke beautifully about the meaning behind her composition Papatūānuku is Breathing, giving the audience insight into the piece and its message.

The concert concluded with coffee, tea, and a shared “bring a plate” afternoon tea — a lovely chance for families, supporters, and guests to celebrate the choir’s achievements and wish them well for their international journey. ☕🍰

📅 Sunday, July 14th 2024
🕞 3:30 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir Chamber Choir rehearsed and performed in the majestic Dunedin Town Hall, sharing their music with family and friends. 🌟

A huge thank you to Dunedin Venues for their generosity through the Community Access Grant, which made this memorable experience possible for our young singers. This event was the first time the children performed their full World Choir Games programme and wore their new performance outfits.

It was a special moment for everyone to hear the choir’s voices ringing proudly through the Town Hall, a truly inspiring lead-up to their international performances. 🎶

📅 Saturday, July 13th 2024
🕒 3:00 pm
📍 Dunedin Town Hall

The Dunedin Children’s Choir Chamber Choir were invited to be guest artists alongside Distinctive Soundz, a Dunedin women’s community choir. 🌟

The Chamber Choir performed three of the four songs they were preparing for the World Choir Games 2024: Papatūānuku is Breathing by Sue Mepham, Dear Examiner by Anthony Ritchie, and Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin.

The newly formed band Rigs and Heels, featuring DCC team members Tash, Helen, and Susie, also performed lively jigs and reels to an appreciative audience. This concert marked the first public performance of the children’s World Choir Games repertoire.

A heartfelt thank you to Distinctive Soundz, who chose DCC as their fundraising charity for the evening. We were so grateful to receive generous support through both ticket sales and the raffle. 🎶💙

📅 Saturday, May 18th 2024
🕖 7:00 pm
📍 Mornington Presbyterian Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir loved performing to a full audience at their End of Year Extravaganza. 🌟

The choir sang a range of Christmas carols, inviting the audience to join in, as well as a selection of favourite songs from movies. Singing students from SMMC (Bathgate Centre) were the special guest artists, and several soloists from the choir also took the stage with confident and expressive performances.

After the concert, each student was presented with a certificate to acknowledge their hard work and achievements throughout the year. 🎄👏

📅 Wednesday, December 6th 2023
🕔 5:00 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer at Dunedin Airport. 🎄✨

The choir performed A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, along with a selection of well-loved Christmas carols for travellers and visitors. The festive music created a joyful atmosphere throughout the terminal and was warmly received by everyone passing by.

A big thank you to Dunedin Airport for their wonderful support and hospitality. 🌟

📅 Sunday, December 10th 2023
🕞 3:30 pm
📍 Dunedin Airport

The Dunedin Children’s Choir enjoyed performing as part of Otago’s Sing Fest at the end of Term 3. 🌟 This event was organised by the New Zealand Choral Federation and brought together a wonderful range of community and school choirs from across the region.

The choir performed Edelweiss by Rodgers and Hammerstein, arranged by Linda Spevacek, and Kusimama by Jim Papoulis, accompanied by Andrew Harray on djembe and Helen Rutherford on shakers. The Chamber Choir also presented Feed the Birds by Sherman and Sherman, arranged by Cristi Cary Miller.

We loved hearing the other choirs perform, including the Flagstaff Community Choir, Ōpoho Singing Group, Knox Church Children’s Choir, Dunedin Star Singers, Logan Park High School Choir, and East Taieri School Choir. The concert concluded with two uplifting massed items, Ka Waiata by R. Puanaki and Riversong by Andy Beck, which we were proud to be part of. 🎶

📅 Thursday, September 21st 2023
🕢 7:30 pm
📍 Knox Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed in a joint concert titled Songs from Home, alongside Olivia Pike, the Flagstaff Community Choir, the Balmacewen Intermediate Choir, and Tricolore, a chamber music group from Logan Park High School. 🌟

This special concert served as a farewell for Olivia Pike before she moved to Boston to continue her studies in voice. The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed The Wreck by Jan Holdstock and Dum Dadah (Anon). The older children also sang Let’s Sing All Together by Susie Davies-Splitter and Phil Davies.

A highlight of the afternoon was the combined finale, I Hear the Call, written especially for the occasion by Sue Mepham. It was a wonderful experience for the children to hear Olivia perform and to sing alongside so many other talented musicians. 🎶

📅 Sunday, August 6th 2023
🕑 2:00 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed on the opening night of the annual Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, one of the city’s most loved community celebrations. ❄️✨ The event filled the First Church grounds with light, art, and music, creating a magical winter atmosphere for all who attended.

The choir sang in Burns Hall to a packed audience as part of a varied evening of performances. Their set included Echo by Sally K. Albrecht, Viva La Musica by Praetorius, and Fruit Canon. The evening was wonderfully hosted by the fabulous Tahu Mackenzie, who brought warmth and energy to the celebration. 🎶

📅 Friday, June 23rd 2023
🕕 6:20 pm
📍 Burns Hall, First Church Grounds

We had a wonderful time performing in a joint concert with the St Andrew’s College Senior Choirs. 🌟 The visiting choirs treated us to a 45-minute programme of choral music, barbershop, and solo performances as part of their tour to Dunedin.

The Dunedin Children’s Choir performed Echo by Sally K. Albrecht, Viva La Musica by Praetorius, and Fruit Canon. A highlight of the afternoon was teaching Fruit Canon to St Andrew’s and the entire audience, complete with some groovy dance moves that had everyone smiling. 🎶

A huge thank you to St Andrew’s College for visiting us and inspiring our students with your energy and musicianship. It was a joyful afternoon of shared song and friendship.

📅 Wednesday, May 31st 2023
🕓 4:15 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church

The Dunedin Children’s Choir held their first-ever performance at Flagstaff Community Church, marking a very special milestone for our young singers. 🌟

The children enjoyed sharing what they had learned with their families in a relaxed and supportive concert. They demonstrated their developing musicianship skills, including reading crotchets and quavers (tās and tītīs), and showcased their warm-ups such as Lean Forwards, Lean Backwards.

Throughout Term 1, the focus was on learning rounds in two and three parts to build confidence and independence in part-singing. This concert was a joyful celebration of all they had achieved in their very first term together. 🎶

📅 Wednesday, April 5th 2023
🕔 5:00 pm
📍 Flagstaff Community Church